Match Preview: Pune vs Lajong

Shillong 28th January: The Reds get ready to play their first away fixture in the Hero I-League 2014-15 Season against a resolute Pune FC on the 29th of January at the Balewadi Stadium at 7PM. The match will telecast live on Ten Action.

Thangboi Singto coached side are coming into this match after a 1-0 win at home against Mumbai FC. Penn Orji, Boithang Haokip, Joseph Lalfakzuala, Aibor Khongjee, Nim Dorjee Tamang, Robin Gurung, Seiminlen Doungel and Rehenseh TP were some of the key players on the pitch who majorly contributed to Lajong’s first win at home.

Undoubtedly this was a much improved Lajong side but taking on the Red Lizards will be a fatiguing task for the North East Outfit as the “Host” are on a high after a bragging 3-1 win over the defending champions and arguably are “The Team To Beat and Watch Out For This Season”.

Lajong have an almost fit squad for tomorrow’s match as Boithang and Seiminlen are harbouring slight niggles and Coach Singto will have to wait for response from the Medical Team to declare them fit for their crucial away fixture. Interestingly the foreign contingent who had a decent game last Sunday will possibly need to gel much more with Lajong’s youthful squad and contribute extensively as every International recruit is expected to do so. Minchol Son, however is the only fourth signing who is yet to join the team.

Coach Thangboi Singto is hoping for a much improved team performance and said, “All players including foreigners need to keep giving their best against Pune FC and all other Teams, then only we will do well”.

“We need to Gel as a unit sooner than later to get good results”, he added.

Pune FC have certainly made their intentions “Loud and Clear” after their 3-1 result in the previous fixture over the recently crowned Federation Cup Champions, Bengaluru FC.

Under the guidance of new Coach Karim Bencherifa, Pune FC coherently are the most formidable side in this edition of the I-League and their squad is bolstered with the likes of the most experienced I-League Centre Backs Luciano Sabrosa, attacking midfielders Ryuji Sueoka and Arata Izumi including the strike force pair of Thongkhosiem Haokip and Darko Nikač who have been critical in Pune’s previous fixtures.

It will be an interesting battle between the two sides on Thursday and the Lajong fans can witness the clash in Pune courtesy a Ten Action Broadcast at 7PM.

Pune FC may be the stronger side at the moment but we ought to remember that the League is merely “Two Rounds Old”; Lajong certainly have the competence on condition that the attacking force perform their duties. The entire squad needs to be Together and United and not waste a single opportunity that comes their way! GOLajongGO!